pink rickshaw

trend: wooden heels

"How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?"-common tongue twister

 

I always struggle with those The Book of Questions type quandaries: Q: Who would you invite to a dinner party dead or alive? (Would Mahatma Gandhi, Kate Middleton and Charlie Sheen get along?) Q: What do you think Victoria's secret is? (Photoshop?) But there's one question I can always answer hands down. Q: What time period would you have wanted to live in? A: The 70's, baby! (and quite honestly and superficially, it's for the fashion alone). Charlie's Angels, Disco, and bell bottoms were the rage but sadly the parallels between now and the 70's are oddly familiar. A terrifying earthquake, recession, high fuel prices, and strife in the Middle East defined the decade. Creepy, huh? But getting back to the positive and the fashion, one footwear trend that was tres seventies chic is very much in for this Spring: the wooden heel. The modern twist of the seventies classic works well with wide legged jeans and flirty Spring dresses and if you're looking to save on aforementioned gas, some versions are even walking friendly.

Some wooden heels worth noting (featured above, starting left top, clockwise)
-Christian Louboutin Quepi Reci sandals
Pictured on the always on-trend Lauren Conrad above. These sandals however are not available online.
-Charles David Laura Platform
For a more affordable version of the Louboutin sandals, the Laura is a fairly close look especially in tan.
-Forever 21 Criss Cross Leatherette Heels
The criss cross straps and zipper action make these a little edgy and at under $30 you can't go wrong.
-Castaner Zaira
Simple and versatile.

Although I'm partial to tan and the deeper browns, you can also do lighter wood soles with different colored uppers like the inexpensive LC Lauren Conrad Zander and for something more upscale the Elizabeth and James Embossed Criss-Cross sandal (both pictured above).

image source: polyvore.com, charlesdavid.com, forever21.com, castaner.com, kohls.com, neimanmarcus.com, lauren conrad: splashnews.com via whowhatwear.com

-SD

trend: ombre hair

"I got my hair highlighted because I felt like some strands were more important than others."-Mitch Hedberg

ombre (adjective): French term for shaded. It is a color effect where the color gradually changes from light to dark. Not to be confused with a Spanish speaking male.

The ombre style is interestingly not a new look in the world of hair but the trend has been highlighted (yes, pun intended) by its popularity in the celeb world since the summer. And for me, my love for Mila Kunis' (love her..even though I'll never quite look at her the same after Black Swan) subtle, gorgeous version of it definitely made it trend friend worthy. So, here are the basics. The look is darker at the roots and lighter, sunkissed at the ends. It's like the roots were grown out but without the harsh contrast and you spent all February at the beach.

So for us non-celebs, it's easily achievable for natural brunettes.  (South Asian gals with super dark hair--do not fear, this are not the scary highlights you're used to seeing, so if you have been wanting to try something different, your time may be here). The look is also very easy on the wallet since roots are encouraged (Highlights without the upkeep? Can it be?) and it is relatively low maintenance (the more it grows out, in theory, the better the look is supposed to be).

You definitely want to leave getting the initial look right to the professionals. On your trip to the salon, some tips from the blogosphere:
-Keep all the colors (roots, transition, tips) in the same color family for a subtle, natural, carefree look and you won't even need to frequent the salon as much (for those with super dark hair, depending on the color of highlights you pick, that might mean a base coat color, so you don't get too intense/contrast of a look).
-Find a colorist who will do balayage highlights (those that are painted on with a brush instead of using foil or a cap)
-Maintenance is as easy as alternating visits between getting the darker roots touched up and the highlights brightened.

So, while it is a trendy look to rock, it's not for everyone. The color style does lend itself to wearing the hair in a more wavy, textured look. So if you're hair is super fine or straight or you have short bangs it may not look quite right. Otherwise, if you're ready for a change and want everyone to think you've been sunbathing in Rio instead of being in your cubicle all winter, jump on the celeb hair bandwagon. The best part is you get to tell your hombre, that you're going ombre.

image source: Sarah Jessica Parker, Mila Kunis, Jessica Biel and Rachel Bilson--getty images.

-SD

trend: tribal necklaces

"Jewelry has become my daytime link to nature in an office with no windows." -Astrid Alauda

  

Tribal inspired necklaces first draped Spring runways (YSL and Lanvin both featured some heavy duty neck hardware) and so it's no surprise the look is now popping up in everyday wear as the perfect Winter-Spring transition accessory. It's not too unfamiliar, since we've seen the bib necklace and statement necklaces in past seasons, but the tribal inspired necklace is a bit more ethnic, intricate in design and varies in geometric shapes. Warning: This look is not for the accessory faint hearted. It can be a bold look, so it's best paired with a dark, simple silhouette and slicked back hair like both celeb trendsetters Olivia Palermo and Leighton Meester pictured left. The tribal necklaces would also look great with Spring's light, pale colored flowy tops to add some pop and edge.

Some tribal inspired necklaces that caught my eye for inspiration and found in the blogosphere worth sharing are featured above (left top, clockwise)
-Forever 21 Gothic Large Shield Necklace
At $8.80, this is a steal and a great way to try out the trend without breaking the bank if you decide you're over it. The silver and black one featured above was actually spotted worn by Kim Kardashian. I scooped up this one and a gold and orange version which is not available online but you could probably still find at stores. I love the bells at the bottom of the necklace which remind me of the jewelry classical Indian dancers wear, but is most likely quite annoying for those around me.
-Giles and Brother Luxor Necklace
This colorful green delight was designed for a Jason Wu fashion show.
-Mawi Sunray Tube Necklace
Seen above worn by Olivia Palermo at a film screening.
-Lauren G. Adams Egyptian Princess Necklace
-Topshop Metal Caps and Bar Necklace
-Sobral Flash Queen Necklace
Love this necklace because it stays on trend and is green. Each of the hanging pendants are made from recycled circuit boards; an eco-friendly jewelry concept RW posted about in 2008. 

 

If you're still needing more inspiration to get your tribal on, on a trip to Anthropologie, to get this necklace, I actually noticed they carried a number of heavier, ethnic inspired necklaces (pictured above) in a variety of shapes and colors.

image source: forever21.com, gilesandbrother.com, maxandchloe.com, mawi.co.uk, topshop.com, anthropologie.com; celeb photos: leighton meester-INF, olivia palermo-getty images

-SD

trend: winter olympics

"I think the way to become the best is to just have fun." -Shaun White, Olympic snowboarding champion

Growing up in the Rocky Mountain region, hats, mittens, ugly moon boots and winter ski trips were not an exotic vacation, but a way of life. Somehow, my parents always managed to bundle up their four children, load them into a "pre-owned" YMCA ski-swap equipment, and safely herd them down a mountain (despite our efforts to cause irreparable harm to ourselves and others). Coming from a childhood filled with kamikaze speed ski runs, it's probably no surprise that the winter Olympics hold a special place in my heart. When I found out that I had the opportunity to attend the opening weekend of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, I packed up my hat and mittens (left the ugly moon boots at home) and jetted off for the trip of a lifetime. Hot trends observed along the way:

There's an app for that
The Official Mobile Spectator Guide iPhone app is a must have for all Winter Olympic fans. With maps, city information and venue information, it is a life saver in an unfamiliar city. For those fans spectators from home, this free app also provides a full Olympic event schedule and up to the minute Olympic results along with pertinent information on all events. Who knew a curling stone weighs 19.1 kilograms? This kid.

Headgear is a must
Despite the fact that this year's Olympics are estimated as the warmest winter Olympics to date (dang Al Gore!), the damp fog and misty rain rolling in off the ocean are still downright chilly. Funky hats were the biggest fashion trend seen throughout Vancouver, spotted on trendy college co-eds to the Vancougars. The locals definitely know how to look fashionable, while staying warm and dry. Looks like winter will be around for a couple more weeks, so if you're looking to get some new winter wear, I'm loving this Eugenia Kim hat available in a number of chic colors and styles. Or stay au courant  like the American athletes with their Ralph Lauren ear-flap hats in this similar hat on sale at Shopbop.

Hockey--Not a 2nd tier sport
Okay, so to say hockey is a new trend may be insulting to some fans, but it does seem trendy to be a hockey fan during the Olympics. While attending the woman's Sweden v. Switzerland Olympic hockey game, I jumped on the bandwagon for Canada's fave sport. The Canadians (men, women and children alike) are crazy hockey fans and I found myself at the most exciting, passionate sporting events that I have ever attended. Riding the Canadian hockey high, I'll be reading this biography on hockey superstar (and Olympic torch lighter) Wayne Gretzky.

Bag lady
Going green is certainly no trend at this point, but the city of Vancouver went to extra lengths to host eco-conscious games. All venues were lined with both organic waste and recyclable waste bins and patrons were reminded to dispose of waste accordingly. In an effort to product more eco-friendly public transport, the city is offering free transportation to all Olympic fans. I did my part by carrying a Vera Bradley Market Tote for all of the fun souvenirs I picked up. Check out these cute nylon totes from Baggu if you want to stay on trend.

image source: Lindsey Vonn: Associated Press, iPhone app: lint-pocket.com, hat: eugeniakim.com, nylon totes: baggubag.com

-RW

trend: ikat

"To understand is to perceive patterns."-Isaiah Berlin

  

ikat (noun) an ancient style of weaving that uses dyeing similar to tie-dye to create a pattern or design by dyeing the warp yarns or weft yarns. Originating in India and Southeast Asia, the pattern can be found in many cultures around the world. In current fashion, ikat has become an "it" print in clothing, home decor and accessories.

What do Michelle Obama, Sonia Gandhi, and Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Indrawati all have in common? Influential? Ranked on the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the World list? Spotted in one of this summer's hottest prints? Check, check and a gigantic ikat check.
Although some may argue it's been a summer of ikat overload, looking at the diversity of the exotic and vibrant print, it's no surprise why the design has been so popular in fashion and home decor. (To be honest, we're really fibbing by even calling ikat a true trend, it has been a constant in fashion and home decor for years) And to add to the intrigue of the ancient print, some cultures think actual ikat cloths (since they are so difficult and timely to make) are "imbued with magical powers." It's no wonder the powerful and influential gravitate towards it.

All summer PR has been collecting some ikat looks on the PR bulletin board. From the inspiration of the Balenciaga and Oscar de la Renta runways to traditional saris with ikat borders, there are a number of ways to incorporate the print into your look.
Pictured on the bulletin board clockwise: Oscar de la Renta ikat ballerina flats, Ikat fringe scarves, Cleobella Ikat Tote, Ikat Silk Pillow (Etsy), Balenciaga Fall 2009 runway, Winding Pathways Chemise from Anthropologie, Anja Bag in Ikat Print by Pink Posie (Etsy), Oscar de la Renta ikat bubble dress, Jcrew Ikat Halter Dress, Forever 21 Blurred Ikat Print Skirt in Black, Target Khandara Chair
Pictured in inset: Myne Printed Silk Skirt

More inspiration:
Design Sponge Trend Round-up: ikat
In Style: The Look--Ikat
FabSugar: Ikat

image sources:saksfifthavenue.com, shopstyle.com, etsy.com, anthropologie.com, jcrew.com, forever21.com, target.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, shopbop.com

-SD

trend: jumpsuits and rompers

"Ishum going to wear a jumpsuit made entirely out of velcro." -Sacha Baron Cohen as Bruno

 

jumpsuit (noun) one piece garment with sleeves and legs. Originally referred to the utilitarian one-piece garments used by parachuters and skydivers.
romper(noun) a loosely fitted, one piece garment having short bloomers that are worn by small children for play and adapted into women's fashion in the 1970s.

Robert Fulghum reminded us years ago that All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. It's all there. Share everything. Play fair. Don't take things that aren't yours. Flush. It looks like along with life lessons, we're getting some fashion tips from our kindergarten days as well. The jumpsuit, romper or even lovingly referred to as the adult onesie, was a huge trend on the Spring 2009 runway, and popular on the streets starting last summer. And this summer the one-piece style is definitely not going anywhere. So is it a fashion do or a look to be left in the sandbox? There are definitely two schools of thought when it comes to the trend.
Whowhatwear.com declared:"Unlike its more casual cousin (overalls), rompers and jumpsuits create a look that is sophisticated, unfussy and perfectly pulled together in one fell swoop. They're also incredibly versatile, outfitting everyone from kids in sandboxes to mechanics on the job to Jerry Hall in her disco heyday. The good news about this vast spectrum and crazy adaptability is that you can achieve any desired result, depending on how you choose to style it. Whether you opt for an all-in-one that is long or short, it is important to pay attention to the fabric and fit. A luxurious material or eye-catching pattern can compliment this voluminous silhouette and create a feminine look. Remember that accessorizing will always help you achieve a polished ensemble; a strong heel and statement necklace will no doubt bring this shape to new stylish heights."

Points noted. The non-romper camp is more skeptical. 55 percent of Glamourreaders said it's a fashion don't. (The wrong adult onesie doesn't exactly scream maturity and well, going to the bathroom is not an easy task to name a few of the drawbacks). But is the skepticism warranted? Like any other trend, a few rules can make the look very wearable. If going for the romper look, remember these are still shorts. So, while they are appropriate for going out, they still aren't for work or job interviews. Also, when trying the look, pay particular attention to the waistline. A waistline that hits too high or low for your body type can well, look, unfortunate. Also, color is key. Stick to rich, solid colors. Prints with this look can look too child-like and khaki or light brown can make it look like you're on a safari.

I have to admit I've been on the fence on this trend for a while, but have started spotting some sophisticated and fun looks I'm loving. Some rompers create the illusion of two pieces for a very polished, elegant style like the Sunner romper pictured above with purple ruffled top and dark shorts. The more casual looks like Lindsey Price's Rag and Bone Teddy romper and the Larsen Gray belted romperin turquoise (added bonus is it is eco-friendly) or the Dolce Vita silk romperin hot pink can be great for weekends or bbqs. So, the PR verdict: trend friend. If you're looking for a fun, fuss-free way to show some leg, go for romper or try a longer leg, silk  look for total disco vibe.  After all, your inner kindergartner would want you to take the chance.

More inspiration:
Style.com--The Verdict Is In: Jumpsuits
NY Mag--One and You're Done
Celebs wearing rompers

image source: shopbop.com, Lindsey Price image: whowhatwear.com

-SD

trend: sewing lounges

"A stitch in time, saves nine." -proverb

 

sewing lounge (noun) a commercial space where people may sew, or learn to sew, as members of a community or a location for a modern sewing circle. Sewing equipment one may need is normally available.

Inspired by Project Runway last year, PR gal RW and I thought we would channel our inner fashion designers and try a sewing class. (After all sewing a custom is one way to assure having a truly unique outfit along with being quite recessionista chic.)

Not knowing much about where we should learn the art of stitching, we signed up at a local craft store chain. The results: frustration, loss of inspiration from seeing too many hideous floral jumpsuits and a highly comical, unfinished shirt (pictured left). Note to self: to truly enjoy the experience, we should have have waited for a hip and fabulous sewing lounge targeted for well, hip and fabulous gals.
Drop-in sewing lounges have been popping up around the country. They offer a space to get creative without having to own your own equipment (or having to lug your own sewing machine to a class). Stitch Lounge in San Francisco started the trend offering not only a place to sew but a place to socialize while working on projects. According to Time Magazine, "Once relegated to little old ladies, the frugal-minded and neohippie handicrafters, sewing your own clothes is back in vogue. Inspired by the desire for a unique look and by reality-TV shows like Project Runway, in which aspiring designers compete for an entrée into the established fashion world, more young people are trying their hand at this traditional domestic art."

But the article also notes that sewing has evolved from stay at home moms sewing in their dens. "Newcomers are heading to chic urban sewing lounges for classes on making handbags, lingerie and cocktail dresses."

The lounges offer an alternative to dull sewing classes: lessons for beginners but also access to industrial equipment for those who are more advanced.  Sewing lounges focus both on making new stylish and trendy clothing from start to finish and giving new life to old clothing through refashioning and restyling. Many of the classes and renting of workspace cost as little as $10 an hour.

While Stitch Lounge in San Francisco is no longer open (they are still available online and through their books), the company put together a list of sewing lounges around the country. The best of the bunch include:
Boston: Sparks Craft Studio
Chicago : The Needle Shop
Houston: Sew Crafty
LA: Sew LA
Minneapolis: The Sewing Lounge
NYC: Make Workshop
Santa Clara, CA: Bobbin's Nest Studio
Seattle: Stitches

So, get creative and come up with a truly unique original piece. Hopefully it looks better than my shirt.

image source: getty images

(Special thanks to AP)

-SD

trend: recessionista

"Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping."- Bo Derek

recessionista (noun) a term originating in the U.S. during the economic difficulties of 2008. Combining the words recession and fashionista; it is the new name for the style maven who strives to remain fashionable on a budget. Predecessor to the depressionista.

Every fashion website I visit or magazine I receive in the mail all want to show me how to be a recessionista. Words like "luxe" and "glam" have been replaced with "frugal", "penny-pinching" and "recession chic". With today's "new economy" and an uncertain outlook, the fashion world has quickly picked up that hard times needed to be spun into a trend. And it seems to have worked.

Recession chic has become such a huge trend that even the bible of luxury Vogue Magazine declared this summer (through their website style.com), "You should know that while the fashionista may have locked herself in the vault with her tiaras, her younger, hipper sister—recessonista—is at the mall finding designer threads (or diffusion designer threads) at discount prices. Look for her at Target, Uniqlo, Payless or Kohl's, all of whom have inked deals with designers recently. That's because recessionistas aren't letting a little thing like falling stock prices and rising gas bills get in the way of their wardrobe."

Is the trend of recession chic a way to cope with the economy or simply a way to keep fashionistas buying in a tough time? You decide. According to A Label for a Pleather Economy in the New York Times, "the word reflects the efforts of fashion and beauty publicists to spin the economic downturn as an attractive retail trend." and the word recessionista is "making light of a situation that isn't so favorable for the consumer driven industries of our nation" and "carries an upbeat tone."

Trend or marketing ploy, there is no denying being a recessionista is all the buzz. A quick google search will present you with hundred of blogs and articles on the subject. So, with such an abundance of information and tips being thrown out on being recession chic, I sorted through them to find the most helpful ones. Many are (not surprisingly) common sense tips that we should be doing all the time. But quite a few serve as a great reminders on how to save a few pennies as the economy unravels faster than a Forever 21 sweater. Here are the best of the bunch:

Common Sense: Never pay full price. Even the ladies that lunch scope out their favorite pieces at the beginning of the season and wait for a discount later.
Recessionista tip: Big items like designer purses can be purchased at online sample sales on sites like Gilt Groupe for big markdowns or at sample sales around the nation. The PR gals keep up with sample sales in Texas with Daily Candy's listing of sample sales. Also, a big theme in the recessionista world is that tough times do not mean abandoning big labels all together. Almost every discount chain it seems has signed designers to make lines for their stores. A PR favorite is of course Target's designer collection. The latest from Target is the famed designer Thakoon.

Common Sense: Eat in. Fairly simple, right? Try fun recipes like the ones featured in Foodie Corner.
Recessionista tip: At high-end restaurants (like Philadelphia's Le Bec-Fin), a five course lunch tasting is almost the third of the price of a six-course dinner (From Glamour's Penny-Pinching Strategies)

Common Sense:Cut back on extra beauty services.That blow-out may just need to be reserved for a special occasion.
Recessionista tip:When do you still want to indulge in that massage, pedicure or manicure (I mean come on, being a recessionista can get stressful), head to schools. Beauty and massage schools offer services and treatments for a fraction of salon and spa prices. (From Tips from a Recessionista)

Common Sense: Work with what you have in your closet and play it up with new accessories. Try accessories from bargain outlets like Charming Charlie or a unique find from flea markets. Or find a whole new outfit in a friend's closet, by hosting a clothes swap with girlfriends. The old Theory jacket you don't wear anymore might be the perfect trade for your friend's Marc Jacobs top.
Recessioniata tip: Get extra creative. If you're feeling uninspired, Anthropologie is launching styling workshops to help women get the most of their existing wardrobes. The classes will run at selected stores throughout the year. (Just fight the urge to pick up a new dress while you're there.) Also, if you're feeling crafty, blogs and magazines have increased the number of DIY projects for making jewelry and even dresses. Case and point, I recently spotted on Slaves to Fashion, a great and super easy DIY necklace. Take four or five different pearl necklaces to layer. Add a brooch to one of them, and you end up with a great recession chic necklace.

More inspiration:
The Recessionista blog
On the Street: Keepers
Frugal Fashionista
Frugal Snob
Tips from a Recessionista

image source: cartoon: Glamour Magazine (February 2009) print edition, necklace: glamour.com

-SD

trend: super high heels

"A cause may be inconvenient , but it's magnificent. It's like champagne or high heels, and one must be prepared to suffer for it."-Arnold Bennett

 

high heel (noun) footwear that raises the heel of the wearer's foot significantly higher than the toes. According to Jimmy Choo and Gucci, a low heel is considered less than 2.5 inches, a medium heel is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches and anything over that is considered a high heel.  A high heel tends to give the aesthetic illusion of longer, slender and more toned legs.

Like most little girls, I would run around the house in my mother's heels just waiting for the day that I could wear my own. Be careful what you wish for, right? Now, like many women, I live in heels chanting the fashionista mantra: fashion over pain. So as we face higher taxes (for some...maybe?), higher airfare (definitely), higher heels naturally are all the rage. "High" has been redefined from three to four inches to five, six and even (gasp!) seven inches for fall and next spring. These are the highest heels to ever be sold on a commercial level. Not exactly your Momma's heels.

We must forewarn you that before you jump on this trend, there is a price for the heel appeal. The super sized heels are proving to be quite dangerous for some. At Prada's Spring/Summer 2009 show in September, two models fell trying to make their way down the runway in Miuccia Prada's platforms. Superstar Gwenyth Paltrow has been sporting six inch heels since April but keeps her bodyguard handy to keep her steady, as she teeters on her stilettos at junkets. In fact, 15th century Europe upper class women also wore extremely high platform shoes but had "a servant or chivalrous man to help them walk." Since some of our assistants may be on vacation (or non-existent), the results can be more disastrous than just a fall. According to podiatrists, elevating the heel more than three inches off the ground greatly increases the odds of suffering a sprained or broken ankle and back pain.

Besides the risk of injury, there is also the obvious discomfort factor. In fact, in order to make these super heels more wearable, some women are getting injections of cosmetic fillers like Juvaderm to plump up the balls of the feet.The effect lasts about six to nine months. A drugstore alternative is using Dr. Scholl's gel inserts (at about $12 it will definitely cost you less than collagen injections). So, now that we've given you the appropriate warning, why even bother with the mega heels? We have three words about this trend: they are hot.

 

If you dare to try the extreme heels, rest assured that you will not be the only one towering over everyone else. The super heel is a huge trend this fall and everyday women are buying the higher heels more so than predicted. Designers Christian Louboutin, Burberry Prorsum, Fendi and Missoni (all pictured above) have created five inch plus shoes (some with hidden platforms) in rich fall colors in a variety of heels and styles. According to the Houston Chronicle, "Louboutin says his six and seven inch heels are selling so well, he plans to introduce an eight inch platform next fall." More affordable versions can also be found at Steve Madden, Nine West and Aldo.  Don't look for the trend to disappear anytime soon. We saw the spring shows and the heels were extreme. The New York Times reports in Shoes from the Shows that the heels were "noteworthy for their architectures, soaring heights and fretwork." Sounds fabulous, right? Just remember, the hotter they are, the harder you will fall. Happy and safe super heel wearing.

image source: runway images: jezebel.com, nytimes.com; gwenyth paltrow: nydailynews.com; shoes: net-a-porter.com (clockwise: Burberry Prorsum ruched platform heels, Missoni suede platform pumps, Fendi suede and leather platforms, Christian Louboutin Eugene Satin pumps)

-SD

trend: fringe

"I always balance the light with the heavy--a few tears of human spirit in with the sequins and the fringes."-Bette Midler

fringe (noun) an ornamental textile trim applied to an edge of an item.

There is a lot of talk of fringe these days. In the current political season, there is the lunatic fringe. In entertainment, the much buzzed about J.J. Abrams' television show, Fringe. And in hair styles, the comeback of fringe (or as we non-Brits say: bangs). But at the forefront, is fringe in fashion. Anyone who is from Texas, been to a rodeo or has seen Pocahontas has (unfortunately) been familiar with the trend. Designers have picked up the ornamental trim for fall looks but are thinking more bohemian; less western. PR says less is definitely more if you are going to spend some cash on this trend, so a safe bet is an accessory. Fringe dangles from flat boots and handbags like the Joie boot and Tory Burch tote pictured above.

For those daring to try fringe with more than just accessories, the trend can be found in flirty dresses and fun skirts. Fringe accents first popped up on the Spring 2008 runway with designers like Proenza Schouler, D&G, Burberry Prorsum, and Just Cavalli all showing the look. In particular, the tiered look, like in the Jonathan Saunders and Bruce dresses were also popular and is now showing up in fall cocktail wear. The Thayer gold skirt and LaRok dress paired with some ankle boots or metallic heels may be the perfect type of dress for a party or night out in the upcoming holiday season. No doubt, a look your inner cowgirl will dig.

More inspiration:
InStyle Fall Shoes
Fabsugar: Fashion with Fringe Benefits

image source: fringe fall looks (Joie boot, Tory Burch tote, Thayer skirt, LaRok dress): shopbop.com, runway images (Jonathan Saunders and Bruce from Milan spring 2008 fashion week): elle.com

-SD